Authorities report 54 bodies were found ashore in the southern district of Khanfar, while elsewhere, 14 were taken to a hospital morgue in Zinjibar. The IOM underscored the pressing need for improved protections for migrants, who often fall victim to unscrupulous smugglers exploiting their desperate circumstances. The agency previously characterized this migration route as one of the most trafficked and dangerous for those fleeing conflict and poverty.

Yemen has witnessed similar tragedies recently, including ships sinking due to rough seas that have claimed numerous lives. Despite the severe risks, the influx of migrants persists, driven by the hope for a better life in the Gulf region. The IOM’s Missing Migrants Project has recorded thousands of deaths over the past decade, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.